Vaisakhi originated as a harvest festival in India’s Punjab region hundreds of years ago.
In 1699, it took on special significance for Sikhs when Guru Gobind Singh — the tenth Sikh guru — created the order of the Khalsa.
Sikhs believe that on April 14, 1699, Guru Gobind Singh called all Sikhs to the Indian city of Anandpur Sahib, Punjab.
At the gathering, he asked all those in attendance to uphold their faith and preserve the religion. The Guru is then said to have lifted his sword and asked the crowd who was prepared to die for their faith. Five men stepped forward. Guru Gobind Singh called the five men the ‘Panj Pyare’, which means the Five Beloved Ones. Vaisakhi or Khalsa Day parades are led by five men in ceremonial dress – to represent the Panj Pyare – the five beloved ones. To this day the five men are known as the first members of the Khalsa.
Source: asianpacificpost.com
COVID-19: Vancouver’s Vaisakhi parade cancelled
Khalsa Diwan Society says its the first cancellation in the parade’s 41-year history
Organizers behind Vancouver’s Vaisakhi parade have cancelled next weekend’s festival in response to a B.C. Health Ministry order banning all public gatherings of more than 250 people.The Vaisakhi parade, which was scheduled for April 18, attracts thousands to the south Vancouver neighbourhood around the Ross Street Sikh temple. Along with the parade, live stages are set up in the streets and free food is served by residents.
Source: theprovince.com
Thursday, April 23, 2026
